Rangers boss Mark Warburton plays down link to Wigan

Mark Warburton hopes his future as Rangers manager is long term after reports linked him with the vacant managerial post at Wigan.

The Rangers boss is reportedly a rival to Karl Robinson, who left MK Dons by mutual consent on Sunday, and former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs for the Latics job, which has been vacant since the sacking of Gary Caldwell.

Speaking at the Light Blues' training ground ahead of the visit of Kilmarnock on Saturday, Warburton said: "I am absolutely bemused where these reports come from.

"I am amazed they even make the papers."

Rangers signed former Wigan players James Tavernier, Martyn Waghorn and Rob Kiernan last season but Warburton denies having a relationship with the English club's chairman David Sharpe.

He said: "I didn't actually deal with David. I have no relationship there at all.

"With all respect to Wigan I have no idea where the rumour has come from.

"I am the manager of Rangers, I would never talk about another club or another job. I am just amazed that it even makes the tabloids."

Asked how long he saw his Ibrox project lasting, the former Brentford boss said: "I hope very much it is long term.

"We spoke about building foundations.

"We look at where the club has been the last four or five years, rightly or wrongly, and the club needs to move forward on strong foundations.

"That is our task and our aim, and working closely with the chairman and the board and everyone involved with the club and if we can do that and put the club on sound footings then we will be in a good place.

"I just don't think we can afford to move too recklessly and try to move too quickly without those strong foundations."